Almost all consumers of flavored products Disposable e-cigarettes in Poland are being used by minors, a report has found. In response to an alarming increase in e-cigarette use among minors, Warsaw is drafting a bill to ban the use of e-cigarettes.
Disposable e-cigs are devices with non-replaceable batteries and are designed to hold approximately 700 to 800 puffs each. They typically retail for less than PLN 30 (EUR 7) and are pre-filled with heating liquid in a variety of flavors. This typically includes nicotine, propylene glycol, glycerin, and flavoring.
“Disposable e-cigarettes, with their unique shape, color and over 7,500 different distinctive flavors, are attractive products for young people,” the Ministry of Health told Euractiv.
Is it sweet like candy or harmful like smoke?
Although the sale of e-cigarettes to minors is prohibited, a report by the Institute for Predictive Economic Analysis (IPAG) shows that an astonishing 97% of Polish flavored disposable e-cigarette consumers are actually under the age of 10. It has been shown to be less than 18.
This trend continues thanks to the affordable price and visually appealing nature of these products, as well as the variety of flavors available.
Additionally, the report shows that the majority of sales take place through distribution channels without proper oversight, such as online sales, which contributes to the growth of the illicit market.
According to 2022 data provided to Euractiv by the Polish Ministry of Health, approximately 23.4% of girls and 21.2% of boys aged 13 to 15 report using e-cigarettes. “This widespread use puts Polish youth at the forefront among European Union countries regarding the use of e-cigarettes,” the ministry added.
Health effects
The effects of inhaling substances found in disposable e-cigarette liquids are not yet fully understood. Even if disposable e-cigarettes do not contain any nicotine, they can pose health risks.
The Ministry of Health warns on its website that all substances in the e-liquid are heated by the coil, so it is important to study the properties of these compounds after heating.
Glycerin and propylene glycol can become toxic at high temperatures, according to research cited by the ministry.
Additionally, Polish scientists have demonstrated that benzaldehyde, the main ingredient in fruit-flavored e-cigarettes, can irritate the airways and have toxic effects when inhaled into the lungs.
China is the world's largest e-cigarette producer. Nevertheless, due to health concerns, especially regarding use by minors, the Chinese government implemented a ban on the sale of disposable fruit-flavored e-cigarettes in October 2022.
Meanwhile, sales of disposable e-cigarettes are rapidly increasing in Poland. According to Ministry of Health data, 14.66 million flavored disposable e-cigarettes were sold in Poland in 2022. However, according to the IPAG report, the actual sales volume of these products in Poland will already reach 100 million units in 2023 (208% increase compared to the previous year).
In addition to health concerns, environmental factors should also be considered. Greenpeace reports that discarded disposable e-cigarettes often end up in landfills, where they emit harmful substances. Their batteries contain lithium, which poses an environmental risk, and their casings contribute to the release of microplastics. Additionally, the construction of disposable e-cigs makes recycling virtually impossible.
unknown ban schedule
For these reasons, a growing number of European countries are taking steps to restrict the sale of disposable e-cigarettes. These include the United Kingdom, France, Ireland, Germany, and more. Poland is also trying to join this group. Health Minister Isabella Leshchina announced that Prime Minister Donald Tusk has given the “green light” to ban the sale of single-use flavored e-cigarettes.
During a visit to Radio Troika, she said: “These cigarettes are indeed a scourge and we especially protect the youth.”
Patient Ombudsman Bartlomiej Hmielowiec told Euractic that he supports the idea of banning the sale of disposable e-cigarettes. “At the same time, we must not forget that there is a need for continuous education about the health risks associated with the use of e-cigarettes and other nicotine-containing products. A group that should be given special protection is young people,” he said. added.
However, it is not yet known how the ban will be implemented or how long it is expected to last. When asked by Euractic about this, the ministry only said: “We are analyzing the possibility of introducing a quick and effective legal solution in this matter.”
[By Paulina Mazolewska, Edited by Vasiliki Angouridi, Brian Maguire | Euractiv’s Advocacy Lab]
